The apron was developed by the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) and sponsored by H&M as part of a trial program aimed at minimizing the negative environmental impact caused by the fashion and textile industry.
HKRITA stated that the apron was created through a chemical process. In this process, a solution containing amino acids is used to treat cotton, fibers, or fabrics, enabling the material to attract carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air and capture this gas.
A restaurant in Stockholm is testing cotton aprons capable of capturing carbon dioxide from the air – (Photo: REUTERS)
After use, the apron is heated to about 30-40 degrees Celsius to release the CO2 it has captured. Subsequently, this CO2 can be used to “nourish” plants.
This treatment process was inspired by the techniques used in coal-fired power plants to limit emissions, according to Reuters.
“Power plants always need to eliminate as much carbon dioxide as possible. Therefore, we thought, why not try to replicate that chemical process on cotton fibers?”, said Edwin Keh, CEO of HKRITA.
“An apron like this can absorb about one-third of the amount of CO2 that a tree absorbs each day,” he added.
According to Reuters, the fashion industry is responsible for around 10% of global carbon emissions. H&M’s fashion store in Sweden has also faced heavy criticism for its business activities affecting the environment.
This has put increasing pressure on major players in the fashion industry to address the massive carbon emissions they generate, as shoppers become more aware of the industry’s impact on the environment.
The cotton apron capable of capturing carbon dioxide from the air – (Video: The Globe and Mail)
